NEW YORK – Republican presidential contender Rand Paul faced tough questions as he tried to woo New York's Orthodox Jewish community, including how he would fight lingering perceptions about his commitment to Israel.

The Kentucky senator spoke in front of several dozen rabbis and other Jewish community leaders Monday at the National Society for Hebrew Day Schools headquarters in Brooklyn.

The appearance was part of outreach effort to a community that is heavily courted by his party.

Paul told the group that Israel is one of the nation's best allies but affirmed his support for the eventual end of foreign aid to the country.

He also spoke in favor of continuing negotiations with Iran and argued that American intervention across the Middle East in recent years has largely done more harm than good.